Codependency

Codependency, sometimes referred to as “relationship addiction," describes sacrificing one’s personal needs to try to meet the needs of others. Although it is often associated with romantic relationships, codependency can be experienced in all types of close relationships, including with family and friendships.  Someone who is codependent has an extreme focus outside themselves. Their thoughts and actions revolve around other people, such as a spouse or relative or they build their identity on helping or “saving” other people. Codependents typically experience feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety and insecurity in these relationships and may also experience perfectionism and control issues. Codependent symptoms can worsen if left untreated. If you are worried that you might be codependent, reach out to one of TherapyDen’s codependency experts today!

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Codependency may show up as people pleasing and denying one's own needs. I like the famous analogy of being on an airplane: to be in a relationship, we must tend to ourselves (put on our own gas masks before helping others). Life is about relationships and there is none more important than the relationship we have with ourselves. To treat codependency, I draw on the teachings of theorists such as John Bradshaw, Pia Mellody, and Melody Beattie.

— Gavin Versi, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in Seattle, WA

I am trained in and utilize Pia Mellody's "Developmental Immaturity" model of codependency treatment, known as Post Induction Therapy. https://www.themeadows.com/workshops/post-induction-therapy-pit/

— Aly Dearborn, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
 

I am Meadows Model and PIT trained in co-dependency and co-dependency recovery. I worked in a Meadows facility for nearly two years were I provided ongoing codependency treatment to individuals living with trauma and addiction.

— Alexandra Krass, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Sunnyvale, CA

Codependency is using relationships as a way to validate yourself and or your worth. For example, "If this person is happy, then I am happy. If this person does not feel good, then I do not feel good." Codependency may take the form of people pleasing, difficulty with boundary setting, perfectionism, anxiety, and shame, as it can often stem from us not having the space to learn our needs and the safety to express them fully. I will help you begin prioritizing YOU without guilt or doubt.

— Alexa Golding, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA
 

It's hard to fault someone for being compassionate, caring or kind. Too often, other prey or take advantage our kindness and giving spirit. Inadvertently, we give away our power and then find life sometimes hopeless. Learn how to regain your sense of self- respect, security and independence. I utilize CBT therapy to rewire our brain changing our thoughts. Changing our thoughts changes how we feel, thus altering our actions. Using DBT, mindfulness practices and gaining self-confidence help us to

— Barbara Beck, Marriage & Family Therapist in Leawood, KS

Those suffering from codependency may be feeling like they have to give up themselves in order to make the relationship work. Often times you may put the other person's needs ahead of your own because if you don't the other person may realize they don't love you and leave you. You may have thoughts of "If I am not helpful, useful, or what my partner needs me to be then they are going to leave me" These are all scary thoughts! We can unpack them in a safe space together.

— Joshua Bogart, Professional Counselor Associate in Beaverton, OR
 

Living with codependency can feel like you’re constantly putting others' needs above your own, leaving you drained and disconnected from your true self. But it’s possible to break free from this cycle. In our sessions, we’ll work together to establish healthy boundaries, build self-worth, and empower you to reclaim your independence. Imagine a life where your happiness isn’t tied to others' approval but comes from a place of inner strength and self-respect. I’m here to guide you on this journey.

— Ellery Wren, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Plano, TX

I understand how folks struggling with codependency deeply care for others and often leave their own needs overlooked. Together, we’ll work on setting healthy boundaries, building self-worth, and learning how to prioritize your emotional well-being without guilt. I’m here to support you in finding balance, reclaiming your independence, and nurturing the relationships that truly serve you. You deserve to feel empowered and whole, not responsible for everyone else’s happiness.

— Amanda Woolston, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Parkesburg, PA
 

It's hard to fault someone for being compassionate, caring or kind. Sometimes, others prey or take advantage of our kindness and giving spirit. Unknowingly, we give away our power and feel helpless. Learn how to regain your sense of self-respect, security, and independence. I utilize CBT and EMDR therapy to rewire the brain. When we change our thoughts, it changes how we feel, thus altering our actions. You do not have to continue self-doubting and over-explaining yourself!

— Barbara Beck, Marriage & Family Therapist in Leawood, KS

When you give so much of yourself to others, it can feel like you lose parts of yourself in the process You might find it difficult to set boundaries or voice your true inner feelings. Together, you can learn to recognize and honor your inner voice, trust your intuition, and integrate the different parts of yourself enabling you to live life more fully and authentic to who you are.

— Lindsay Anderson, Licensed Professional Counselor in , OR
 

Co-dependency is so absolutely destructive in our lives. In my 20+ years of my own co-dependency recovery and helping others navigate through co-dependence, I am confident that understanding the roots of your codependency, how it impacts your relationships on a daily basis and finding recovery, might be the most impactful work that you can do as an adult.

— Kellie Rice, Psychologist in Chicago, IL

Codependency can be a challenging thing to navigate on your own, but it is very possible to gain a more comprehensive and complete understanding of why you developed this coping mechanism in the first place. From there, we can support you to re-learn how to have your own autonomy and separate sense of self. If applicable to you, we'll also support you in learning how to discern and hold your own boundaries and connect with others in ways that are empowering for you.

— Kim Stevens, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
 

Codependency is often tied to the relationships that we have with addicts in our lives. Codependency is often defined as behaviors that enable behaviors we wish to see the end of but it often comes from a place of love, care and concern for others. The problem is that love, care and concern can result in giving too much to others. My goal in helping clients who struggle with codependency is to help them establish healthy boundaries so they can be supportive without overwhelming themselves.

— Aaron Bachler, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tempe, AZ

Are you the one who always takes care of everything? Have you had to do things for yourself most of your life? "Codependency" is a big word that doesn't have to involve substance abuse. Ironically, its most common subjects describe themselves as "independent." If thinking about someone else's problems occupies more of your time than you'd like, let's talk.

— Kathryn Gates, Marriage & Family Therapist in Austin, TX
 

Codependency is often tied to the relationships that we have with addicts in our lives. Codependency is often defined as behaviors that enable behaviors we wish to see the end of but it often comes from a place of love, care and concern for others. The problem is that love, care and concern can result in giving too much to others. My goal in helping clients who struggle with codependency is to help them establish healthy boundaries so they can be supportive without overwhelming themselves.

— Aaron Bachler, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tempe, AZ

Have you been feeling anxious, depressed, or find that you have a hard time saying no to people? Do you find that you often end up feeling like you need to help or fix a loved one's problems? Do you struggle with boundaries, people pleasing and unbalanced relationships? You don't have to do this alone. Having a therapist that's experienced in codependency treatment will support you in addressing underlying issues that have been keeping you stuck.

— Jennifer Leupp, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
 

You find yourself stuck in a pattern of people pleasing. You're a good listener, someone others go to vent to. While that is a part of your relational strength, you're also intimidated by conflicts and exposed differences between you and your partner and friends. You put great effort into mirroring and reading the room to alleviate tension with others and within yourself. You'd love to embrace your authentic self and know that ruptures in your relationships don't have to be an ultimatum.

— Therapy On Fig, Therapist in Los Angeles, CA

If you are concerned about a loved one’s substance abuse problem, I am here for you as well. Informed by lived experience and proven addiction treatment, I offer individual and family therapy to help you protect yourself, prevent enabling your loved one, and guide you both to the necessary resources for treatment and recovery. My goal is to help you both heal together.

— Jesse Smith, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist